WIC-Approved Foods: A Complete List

WIC covers specific nutritious foods chosen for each participant's age, pregnancy status, breastfeeding status, and nutritional needs. The exact approved brands, package sizes, substitutions, and formula products vary by state, so your benefit balance and state food list control what you can buy.

USDA finalized major food-package updates in 2024, and states have been implementing them during 2025 and 2026. The changes expand produce and whole-grain choices, add canned fish for more participants, reduce juice amounts, and update infant-food options.

Need your state's exact list? Find a WIC clinic near you.

Fruits and vegetables

WIC provides a cash-value benefit, or CVB, for approved fruits and vegetables.

Depending on state rules, eligible options can include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Frozen fruits and vegetables
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Organic produce

State agencies must allow fresh produce and at least one processed form. Product rules can exclude items with added sugar, syrup, fat, or other ingredients.

The CVB amount depends on participant category and current federal inflation adjustments.

Milk and dairy alternatives

Food packages may include:

• Cow's milk
• Lactose-free milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Soy beverage
• Tofu

The allowed fat level and substitutions depend on age, participant category, nutritional need, and state authorization.

Eggs

WIC commonly provides approved cartons of eggs. State lists may specify size, quantity, type, or lowest-cost brand rules.

Specialty eggs may not be approved unless the state includes them.

Breakfast cereal

Approved cereals must meet WIC nutrition standards. State lists identify eligible brands, varieties, and package sizes.

Some benefits may allow participants to combine package sizes up to the total ounce amount. Check the app or state list before shopping.

Whole grains

Approved whole-grain choices may include:

• Whole-wheat bread
• Brown rice
• Whole-wheat tortillas
• Corn tortillas
• Oatmeal
• Whole-grain pasta
• Barley
• Bulgur
• Other state-authorized whole grains

The 2024 final rule expands whole-grain variety and allows more package-size flexibility as states implement the changes.

Beans, peas, lentils, and peanut butter

Benefits may allow:

• Dry beans
• Canned beans
• Dry peas or lentils
• Peanut butter

The card balance or state list determines whether the participant can choose beans, peanut butter, or another substitution.

Juice

WIC may include approved 100% juice for certain participant categories.

The updated food packages reduce juice quantities compared with older packages while increasing fruit-and-vegetable benefits. Approved container sizes, forms, and brands vary.

Fish

Canned fish has long been included for certain breastfeeding participants. The 2024 changes expand canned fish to additional participant categories, including children ages one through four and pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding participants, according to implementation rules.

Approved choices may include tuna, salmon, sardines, or other state-authorized fish.

Infant cereal

WIC may provide iron-fortified infant cereal.

Under the updated food packages, infant rice cereal is removed as an authorized WIC infant cereal option. Approved alternatives can include oatmeal, multigrain, barley, or other authorized infant cereals.

Infant fruits and vegetables

Infants may receive jarred or packaged infant fruits and vegetables. Updated rules allow states to provide a cash-value benefit substitution for infant fruits and vegetables beginning at six months, expanding flexibility compared with the previous nine-month threshold.

Exact implementation varies by state.

Infant meats

Fully breastfed infants may receive approved infant meats at certain ages under the applicable food package.

Infant formula

WIC formula brands vary by state because state agencies use competitive rebate contracts. There is no single national WIC formula brand.

Benefits may include:

• Powdered formula
• Concentrated liquid formula
• Ready-to-feed formula
• Special or medical formula with required documentation

Only purchase the form, size, brand, and quantity listed in your benefits.

What changed in the 2024–2026 WIC food packages?

The major changes include:

• Higher fruit-and-vegetable benefits
• More whole-grain choices and package-size flexibility
• Canned fish for more women and children
• Reduced juice quantities
• Removal of infant rice cereal
• More flexibility to substitute infant fruits and vegetables with a produce benefit beginning at six months
• Broader options supporting cultural preferences and special dietary needs

Some implementation dates differ by provision and state.

What determines your personal food package?

Your package depends on:

• Pregnancy or postpartum status
• Breastfeeding status
• Infant or child age
• Medical or nutritional needs
• State-authorized foods
• Available substitutions
• Current benefit period

Two WIC participants in the same household may receive different foods.

How can you tell whether an item is approved?

Use:

• Your state WIC app
• WICShopper or another state-authorized app
• The store shelf label
• The state approved-food list
• Your current benefit balance
• The UPC scanner in the authorized app
• Assistance from the clinic or store

An item can meet general nutrition standards but still fail at checkout because the brand, UPC, flavor, package size, or balance does not match.

What cannot be purchased with WIC?

WIC generally does not cover:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Soap or household products
• Vitamins or medicines
• Hot prepared foods
• Unapproved brands or sizes
• Foods not included in the participant's package
• Formula not listed on the benefit account

Do unused WIC foods roll over?

No. Benefits generally expire at the end of the monthly benefit period. Buy approved items before the expiration date shown in the account or receipt.

Frequently asked questions

Can WIC buy organic produce?

Federal rules require states to allow organic fruits and vegetables, although the produce benefit amount does not increase for organic items.

Can WIC buy store brands?

Sometimes. The state list and UPC database determine eligibility.

Can WIC buy baby rice cereal?

The revised federal package removes infant rice cereal as an authorized option as states implement the rule.

Can WIC buy canned fish?

Yes for eligible participant categories under current food-package rules, with state-authorized products and amounts.

Are WIC foods the same in every state?

No. Federal standards establish the framework, while states choose approved brands, products, sizes, and substitutions.

Official sources

• USDA FNA WIC Food Packages
• USDA Final Rule: Revisions in the WIC Food Packages
• USDA Food Package Questions and Answers
• USDA Regulatory Requirements for WIC-Eligible Foods

Check your state's exact foods: Find a local WIC clinic.

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Independent-site disclaimer: WICProgram.us does not issue benefits or maintain state approved-product lists. Confirm current products, sizes, and benefits with your state WIC agency.